Quantitative expression of estrogen, progesterone and human epidermal growth factor receptor-2 and their correlation with immunohistochemistry in breast cancer at Uganda Cancer Institute.

The detection of Estrogen Receptor (ER), Progesterone Receptor (PR), and Human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER-2) is important for the stratification of breast cancer and the selection of therapeutic modalities. This study aimed to determine the quantitative expression of ER, PR and HER-2 using Immunohistochemistry and their correlation with quantitative baseline Ct values measured using Quantitative Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR). This study also assessed the use of fresh breast tissue biopsies preserved in RNAlater solution in the quantitative detection of these receptors using PCR technique.

Evaluation of long-acting cabotegravir safety and pharmacokinetics in pregnant women in eastern and southern Africa: a secondary analysis of HPTN 084.

Introduction: Long-acting injectable cabotegravir (CAB-LA) for pre-exposure prophylaxis significantly reduced HIV acquisition in HPTN 084. We report on the safety and CAB-LA pharmacokinetics in pregnant women during the blinded period of HPTN 084.

Methods: Participants were randomized 1:1 to either active cabotegravir (CAB) plus tenofovir disoproxil fumarate/emtricitabine (TDF/FTC) placebo or active TDF/FTC plus CAB placebo.

Risk of adverse birth outcomes and birth defects among women living with HIV on antiretroviral therapy and HIV-negative women in Uganda, 2015-2021.

Introduction: We assessed the risk of adverse pregnancy and birth outcomes and birth defects among women living with HIV (WLHIV) on antiretroviral therapy (ART) and HIV-negative women.

Methods: We analyzed data on live births, stillbirths, and spontaneous abortions during 2015-2021 from a hospital-based birth defects surveillance system in Kampala, Uganda. ART regimens were recorded from hospital records and maternal self-reports.

Bone density changes in young women in Uganda using tenofovir-based HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis and depot medroxyprogesterone acetate contraception.

Background: Injectable depot medroxyprogesterone acetate (DMPA) is the most common contraceptive choice among young women in Uganda, where HIV burden is high and HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) may be offered. For young women who choose to use both agents concurrently, it is unknown whether they will experience declines in BMD beyond those elicited by either product singly.

Methods: From 2018-2022, we conducted a 2-year prospective study with women ages 16-25 years in Kampala, Uganda desiring pregnancy and HIV prevention.

Safety and immunogenicity of an acellular pertussis vaccine containing genetically detoxified pertussis toxin administered to pregnant women living with and without HIV and their newborns (WoMANPOWER): a randomised controlled trial in Uganda.

Background: Immunisation in pregnancy against pertussis can reduce severe disease in infancy. There are few data on the safety and immunogenicity of vaccines given to pregnant women living with HIV and their infants. We aimed to describe the safety and immunogenicity of a tetanus-diphtheria-acellular pertussis (TdaP) vaccine containing genetically detoxified pertussis toxin given to pregnant women living with HIV and the effect of the vaccine on infant whole-cell pertussis vaccine responses.

HIV Knowledge and Sexual Behaviors in Perinatally Infected Ugandan Youth: A Cross-Sectional Survey.

Our objective was to assess human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) knowledge and sexual behaviors in 294 perinatally HIV-infected youth aged 18 to 25 years from a psychosocial support group in Kampala using a self-administered survey. Seventy-nine percent reported an undetectable viral load, 9.5% detectable, and 12% did not know.

"I desire to have an HIV-free baby": pregnant and breastfeeding mothers' perceptions of Viral load testing and suppression in HIV care in southwestern Uganda.

Introduction: Viral suppression is a critical component for preventing mother-to-child transmission of HIV(MTCT). Mothers' perceptions of viral load suppression is crucial in the attainment of successful outcomes in preventing mother to child transmission of HIV. We therefore aimed to explore the experiences and perceptions of women on viral suppression.

Approaches and processes for paediatric chest X-ray classification used in the SHINE TB treatment-shortening trial.

SHINE (Shorter Treatment for Minimal Tuberculosis in Children) was the first Phase 3 paediatric TB treatment-shortening trial. Robust chest X-ray (CXR) classification methods were integral to excluding severe disease for trial eligibility and to retrospectively adjudicating TB status at baseline. We describe and critically evaluate the CXR classification approaches and processes used in the SHINE trial.

Adolescent Girls and Young Women Overcoming Adherence Challenges with Vaginal and Oral PrEP Use: A Longitudinal Qualitative Study from a Crossover Trial in South Africa, Uganda, and Zimbabwe.

Rates of HIV acquisition remain high among adolescent girls and young women (AGYW) in sub-Saharan Africa. We explored South African, Ugandan, and Zimbabwean AGYW's experiences in a crossover trial of two HIV prevention products: Daily oral pre-exposure prophylaxis pills and a monthly dapivirine vaginal ring. A subset of participants (n = 25) across all sites completed up to three serial in-depth interviews (SIDIs).

Markers of Maternal Bone and Renal Toxicity Through 50 Weeks Postpartum: IMPAACT 2010 (VESTED) Trial.

Background: Safety data from randomized trials of antiretrovirals in pregnancy are scarce. We evaluated maternal bone and renal data from the International Maternal Pediatric Adolescent AIDS Clinical Trials Network 2010 trial, which compared the safety and efficacy of 3 antiretroviral therapy regimens started in pregnancy: dolutegravir + emtricitabine/tenofovir alafenamide (DTG + FTC/TAF), dolutegravir + emtricitabine/tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (DTG + FTC/TDF), and efavirenz/emtricitabine/tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (EFV/FTC/TDF).

Methods: A subset of participants underwent dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry scans at postpartum week 50 only.

Lipid and glucose profiles in pregnant women with HIV on tenofovir-based antiretroviral therapy.

Objective: Tenofovir alafenamide (TAF)-based antiretroviral therapy (ART) regimens have been associated with adverse changes in lipid and glucose profiles compared with tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF)-based ART, but data in pregnancy is limited. We evaluated metabolic markers in pregnant women with HIV after starting TAF- vs TDF-based ART.

Methods: We analyzed data within the IMPAACT 2010/VESTED trial, which demonstrated better pregnancy outcomes in pregnant women randomized to initiate TAF/Emtricitabine/Dolutegravir (TAF/FTC+DTG; n=217) or TDF/FTC+DTG (n=215).

A Model for Estimating the Burden of Disease of Transfusion-Transmitted Infection.

Objectives: Blood transfusion is an important mode of infectious disease transmission in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). This study describes a model to determine the prevalence of transfusion-transmitted infections (TTIs) and the associated burden of disease.

Methods: A five-step model was developed to determine the TTI-related burden of disease measured by disability-adjusted life years (DALYs).

Acceptability of the Dapivirine Vaginal Ring and Daily Oral Pre-exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) during Pregnancy in Malawi, South Africa, Uganda, and Zimbabwe.

Pregnant and lactating persons in sub-Saharan Africa face a heightened risk of HIV acquisition, due to biological and behavioral factors, combined with limited access to prevention and treatment services. Oral pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) and the dapivirine vaginal ring are promising tools for HIV prevention, and the ring's recent approval in multiple African countries represents a significant advancement in expanding access to HIV prevention. In a nested qualitative study within the MTN-042 trial, we explored the acceptability of study products among pregnant persons in the second and early third trimesters.

Twice-Yearly Lenacapavir or Daily F/TAF for HIV Prevention in Cisgender Women.

Background: There are gaps in uptake of, adherence to, and persistence in the use of preexposure prophylaxis for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) prevention among cisgender women.

Methods: We conducted a phase 3, double-blind, randomized, controlled trial involving adolescent girls and young women in South Africa and Uganda. Participants were assigned in a 2:2:1 ratio to receive subcutaneous lenacapavir every 26 weeks, daily oral emtricitabine-tenofovir alafenamide (F/TAF), or daily oral emtricitabine-tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (F/TDF; active control); all participants also received the alternate subcutaneous or oral placebo.

Evaluation of a short training course of chest X-ray interpretation for the diagnosis of paediatric TB.

Background: Chest X-ray (CXR) interpretation is challenging for the diagnosis of paediatric TB. We assessed the performance of a three half-day CXR training module for healthcare workers (HCWs) at low healthcare levels in six high TB incidence countries.

Methods: Within the TB-Speed Decentralization Study, we developed a three half-day training course to identify normal CXR, CXR of good quality and identify six TB-suggestive features.

Exploring pregnancy-related stigma experiences among adolescents in rural Uganda.

Introduction: Pregnant adolescents face multiple adverse experiences that vary by context due to pregnancy-related stigma. We explored experiences of pregnancy-related stigma and psychosocial issues among adolescents living in rural eastern Uganda.

Methods: We conducted in-depth semi-structured interviews with 15 adolescents (15-19 years old) who were pregnant (>3 months) or had recently given birth (<3 months) at Tororo District Hospital in Uganda.

Correlates of Adherence to Oral and Vaginal Pre-exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) Among Adolescent Girls and Young Women (AGYW) Participating in the MTN-034/REACH Trial.

We evaluated correlates of adherence to PrEP, including daily oral tenofovir disoproxil fumarate in combination emtricitabine (oral FTC/TDF) and the monthly dapivirine ring (ring)among adolescent girls and young women (AGYW) in the MTN-034/REACH study. We enrolled 247 AGYW aged 16-21 years in South Africa, Uganda and Zimbabwe (ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT03074786).

Enhanced peer-group strategies to support the prevention of mother-to-child HIV transmission leads to increased retention in care in Uganda: A randomized controlled trial.

Introduction: Despite the scale-up of Option B+, long-term retention of women in HIV care during pregnancy and the postpartum period remains an important challenge. We compared adherence to clinic appointments and antiretroviral therapy (ART) at 6 weeks, 6, and and 24 months postpartum among pregnant women living with HIV and initiating Option B+. Women were randomized to a peer group support, community-based drug distribution and income-generating intervention called "Friends for Life Circles" (FLCs) versus the standard of care (SOC).